I attended a local screening of the RAAM documentary, "Bicycle Dreams" tonight. Since I own the DVD and have already seen it I went mostly to "rub elbows" and observe just how a screening was presented.

After the screening there was a question and answer period with RAAM Director Rick Boethling. The group of around 200 paid close attention to the movie. When it was over, before Mr Boethling could take the stage, a member of my social bike club stood up and addressed those in attendance. He pointed out that I had gained RAAM Qualified status and had me stand as he listed my achievements and introduced me. While I appreciated his gesture, I felt a bit uneasy. I know, as well as most of the people in crowd, and the RAAM officials, that there is a huge difference between being RAAM Qualified and being ready to ride RAAM.
Rick Boethling pointed that out as he stepped on stage.

A few folks came up to me and wished me well.

If my friend were going to say something I just would have preferred something along the line of "Kevin is hoping to compete in RAAM in 2013, he's right over there"

I did come away with some ideas on how I will put a screening together in the next few months.

moving forward, ever so slightly

I've been in contact with Stephen Auerbach, the director of the RAAM documentary "Bicycle Dreams". Looks like we've reached an agreement where I'll be able to present this great movie as part of a fund raising event for my RAAM challenge.

I've been working on a handout to give to potential donors and supporters explaining what I am planning to do, and how we might partner to provide benefit to both them and me.

Still a long way from making this happen, but it is moving forward.

Getting mentally around this thing

I continue to work on details to allow this adventure to happen.


I've got the DVD of Bicycle Dreams, I've watched it many times. It never ceases to inspire me.

Bike Dreams

Looks like the Bike Dreams movie promoters will be bringing Bike Dreams to Portland in May. That will cause me to rethink plans a bit, but flexibility is a good thing to practice.

In the meantime I keep running across these little nudges toward mentally accepting the challenge ahead.

The thought for the day.

A birthday party

Over 50 people showed up in Salem tonight to help celebrate JoyRide's first year in business. It was a good evening and it was nice to see the public support as well as the support of other local businesses who donated door prizes.

Something I did not expect was the attention I got. I was introduced to the group with a brief description of my crazy goal. There was a reporter from a local newspaper in attendance, and she spent a bit of time talking to me, snapping a few photos and scribbling wildly on a notepad.

I didn't know I was so interesting. ;-)

the switch flipped

A few things happened today that caused me to decide I really need to ride bike.
I've been somewhat baffled why I couldn't get motivated to begin working hard on a bike.

As of tonight, I'm ready to go.

I hopped on my rollers tonight and pedaled hard. It was just what I needed.

Friday I will be going to JoyRide's 1st birthday party. JoyRide is a good friend of my RAAM effort, and there are some good door prizes beside! Come on out Friday night and join the fun.